Disabled vets get their own memorial in D.C.

WASHINGTON –In a few weeks, wounded military veterans will get a memorial to call their own.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which is just blocks away from the Capitol and about two miles from the Department of Veterans Affairs, is the first of its kind. It’s dedicated to all wounded veterans, alive and deceased.

Their stories are etched in glass panels. A flame burns inside a star-shaped fountain marked with emblems of each military branch. Ginko and Cyprus trees are planted along the reflecting pool. These elements represent hardship and injury but a sense of hope and remembrance, say memorial officials.

Construction began four years ago, and its completion comes after months of intense criticism of the VA after revelations of delayed patient care.

Officials tell The New York Times that they hope the memorial will “be a permanent reminder of the government’s responsibility to its service members.”

The memorial will open to the public on October 5, 2014. See video of its construction: